A Hurried Life

I can't help but notice that when I talk with friends and clients, the number one complaint I hear (besides a lack of money) is, "We don't have time." Have the days gotten shorter the last few years?

The dynamics of society sure continue to change and fill up our schedules, don't they? Most homes have two working parents (if there are still two parents in the home), and kids that are involved in everything from band, to baseball, to basketweaving. I know families who are literally out every night of the week for sports practices and games, every season of the year. No time for a family dinner around the table, no time for a game on the floor of the family room, no time for reflective moments before bed.

To combat this, Michelle and I have tried to minimize our children's participation in extracurricular activities. Allie takes piano lessons, which we chose for her, and is allowed one other activity of her choice. She's bounced from dance, to gymnastics, to ice skating (getting ready to start). Sam played t-ball this last summer. We want to encourage the kids to try different things and get a taste for whatever perks their interest. My hope is that they find one or two things they really enjoy and can appreciate for life.

This approach helps us slow down. It also takes a little stress off the budget. But I admit I feel pangs of guilt from time to time. I was involved in a lot of activities as a kid, why should my children be "robbed" of doing all that fun stuff too?

How does your family achieve a healthy balance?